Sample itinerary · 10 days · Kenya
10-Day Kenya & Tanzania Great Migration Safari
Both sides of the world's greatest wildlife theater — timed to where the herds are likely to be, from the Mara's river country to the Serengeti's open plains.
Private guide · Private vehicle · Custom lodge options
Your Safari Route
A private, point-to-point journey — your own guide and vehicle throughout, moving at your pace with lodges matched to your style.
- Masai MaraBegin in Kenya's Masai Mara — private conservancy camps, big cats, and, in season, the drama of the Mara River crossings.
- SerengetiCross into Tanzania and fly to the northern or central Serengeti — the other half of the migration's stage — for vast plains and following herds.
- NgorongoroFinish at the Ngorongoro Crater for Big Five density in one remarkable caldera, then fly out via Kilimanjaro or Nairobi.
- Masai MaraFinish at the Ngorongoro Crater for Big Five density in one remarkable caldera, then fly out via Kilimanjaro or Nairobi.
Day by Day
Days 1–3Masai Mara
Begin in Kenya's Masai Mara — private conservancy camps, big cats, and, in season, the drama of the Mara River crossings.
Days 3–5Mara & crossing country
Full days in the greater Mara ecosystem, positioned near the crossing points, with unhurried time to wait for the herds to move.
Days 5–8Serengeti
Cross into Tanzania and fly to the northern or central Serengeti — the other half of the migration's stage — for vast plains and following herds.
Days 8–10Ngorongoro
Finish at the Ngorongoro Crater for Big Five density in one remarkable caldera, then fly out via Kilimanjaro or Nairobi.
What Makes This Journey Special
The migration crosses a single ecosystem split by a border — this journey follows it across both countries in one seamless trip, arguably East Africa's ultimate first safari.
Cross-border routing designed around seasonal herd movement
Camps positioned near likely river-crossing zones
Private guiding on both sides of the border
Ngorongoro Crater finale
Make This Safari Your Own
Weight more nights toward Kenya or Tanzania, add Amboseli or Tarangire, choose mobile camps that move with the herds, or extend to Zanzibar or gorilla trekking.
- Upgrade to luxury lodges or private conservancy camps
- Add a hot-air balloon safari at dawn
- Extend to Zanzibar, Diani, or Cape Town
- Add nights for a slower, more private pace
- Tailor for a honeymoon, family, or photography trip
Custom pricing
Custom pricing is based on travel dates, lodge category, party size, routing, and itinerary design.
Best Time to Travel
The ideal window is July–October for river crossings; January–March for calving, with dry-season game viewing and clearer skies. Timing can be shaped around your preferred experience, lodge availability, and travel style.
Choose Your Lodge Style
Every stay is quoted to your chosen style — no fixed packages, no shared departures.
Boutique Comfort
Intimate, characterful camps with genuine warmth and personal service.
Custom pricingPremium Tented Camp
Spacious canvas suites blending classic safari style with real comfort.
Custom pricingLuxury Safari Lodge
Refined lodges with pools, spas, fine dining, and sweeping views.
Custom pricingPrivate Conservancy Camp
Exclusive-use land, off-grid privacy, walking, and night drives.
Custom pricingGood to know
Itinerary Questions
Can you guarantee we'll see a river crossing?
No honest planner can — crossings follow rainfall, not a schedule. We position you in the right area for the July–October window, build in unhurried time, and plan around probability rather than promises.
Do I need separate visas for Kenya and Tanzania?
Yes, each country issues its own entry authorization (Kenya's eTA and Tanzania's eVisa), both straightforward online. We brief you on current requirements when we plan the route.
How much of this is flying vs driving?
The border is crossed by road or a short flight, and internal Serengeti legs are usually flown to save hours. We design the routing to minimize transit and maximize game time.
Is this itinerary private or shared?
It is private throughout. You travel with your own guide, private vehicle, and schedule — never sharing your safari with strangers.
Can this be planned as a luxury safari?
Yes. Every stay can be raised to luxury lodges or private conservancy camps, with flights and service matched accordingly.
Can this itinerary work for a honeymoon?
Beautifully. We add romantic lodges, private dinners, and a gentler pace, and can finish on a beach for a barefoot end to the trip.
Can I add Zanzibar or another beach destination?
Yes. A beach extension to Zanzibar, Diani, or Mauritius is a popular finish and easy to route into the journey.
Can I add a hot-air balloon safari?
Where it is offered — such as the Masai Mara or Serengeti — a dawn balloon flight with a champagne breakfast can be added.
How is pricing calculated?
Every journey is quoted to your travel dates, lodge category, party size, and routing. There are no fixed package prices.
Does African Safari Reserve operate the safari directly?
African Safari Reserve curates safari journeys through trusted destination partners. We do not claim to own or operate a national park, wildlife reserve, lodge, airline, or government tourism authority.
Make This Journey Yours
This is a starting point, not a fixed package. Tell us your dates and travel style and we'll shape a private itinerary around you — with transparent, custom pricing.